Dear Parishioners,
St. Joan of Arc parish continues to be a vibrant and welcoming parish within the community of Aberdeen. In 2020, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the parish and our joyful theme was “Remember, Renew, Rejoice.” It is good to remember the sacrifices of our early members who contributed their time, talent and treasure to support the needs of a new parish. I am grateful to all who have maintained that sense of sacrifice and your ongoing support of the parish.
I am writing to you today to ask for your support for a Capital Campaign so that the parish may continue its mission of spreading the joy of the gospel, forming missionary disciples, and supporting the spiritual and nurturing needs of our community. The theme of the campaign is “Building our Future Together.” Part of our more recent past identified new needs for the parish and the parish school. In 2008, a Master Plan was developed that included the addition of a chapel to the present church building, and the addition of a multi-purpose space that will benefit both the parish school and the parish.
A feasibility study took place in 2019 and it showed support for moving ahead with the recommendations from the Master Plan. In consultation with the Archdiocese, and also with our Archbishop, we plan to move ahead with the construction of a Chapel addition to the present church, and also a Parish Life Center that will enable growth to occur for the parish school and serve as a tool for evangelization for the parish.
My prayer is that you will join me as we move into the next 100 years and provide new space as we continue to be a welcoming parish in our community.
In Christ,
Fr. William Franken
Pastor